James Scongack, standing on the site of the future CT Scanner at the Southampton Hospital, gave a video message to the community of Saugeen Shores about achieving the $3 million Bring Tom to Town goal.

Editor,

You did it!

Ten months ago, our community stepped up to a challenge: to come together and bring a CT scanner to Saugeen Shores. People from all walks of life came together, organizing everything from small lemonade stands to huge sporting events, and you all were able to “Bring TOM to Town” faster than anyone could have imagined!

Nothing is more important than the health and well-being of our family, friends, and neighbours, and we all know how important it is to have health care accessible close to home. Our community is incredible, and when there’s an important goal, dedicated individuals, volunteer groups, public servants, and businesses always step up and work together.

That’s why the achievement of the thousands of people and organizations of this community, through their contributions, time, and tireless efforts have made this possible: fundraising $3 Million to “Bring TOM to Town” in just ten short months. This was the largest hospital fundraising campaign ever completed in our community, and you did it in record time. Reaching the $3 million fundraising goal in such a short time means the community came together to raise $10,000 a day, every day, for the last 300 days. This was only possible with everyone doing their part. If you or your organization contributed financially, volunteered your time, or helped us spread the word, then you made a difference; this goal would not have been achieved without you.

While the fundraising goal is what we can celebrate now, the real goal is to have this CT scanner operating in our local hospital. This can now be accelerated and, in collaboration with Grey Bruce Health Services, should be in operation in the second half of 2023. Front-line healthcare professionals will then have the tools they need, when seconds count, to save lives.

In addition to thanking all of you, we know that a successful fundraising campaign doesn’t happen without leadership. We want to thank the all day, every day leadership and drive by our Executive Director of the Foundation, Tracy Murray. Tracy was supported by a strong Foundation Board and they encouraged the community to come together to achieve such an amazing goal.

We are holding a community appreciation barbecue on Thursday, September 1st from 11:00-2:00 at the Rexall Parking lot in Southampton. We appreciate the contributions to put this thank you event on and we hope you can join us. We look forward to thanking and congratulating you all in person!

Jenny and James Scongack,
Bring TOM to Town Campaign Co-Chairs